New Orleans Hornets owner Tom Benson officially announced the Hornets’ name will switch to the New Orleans Pelicans beginning next season. The name change will begin next season, but merchandise is already available in the team store located at the New Orleans Arena.

“This isn’t something that was just done overnight. This is a long process. We are not just changing the name to change the name. The Hornets name came from Charlotte. That fits in with Charlotte. It doesn’t fit into New Orleans, La., or our area here," Benson said. "The Hornets don’t mean anything here. We needed something that symbolizes New Orleans and Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. And nothing does that better than this name.”

The logo pictured won't be the only Pelican logo used by the team. Click here (you will be redirected to Hornets.com) for the other 4 logos the franchise plans to use. You will also find more reasoning behind the decision, and plenty of fun facts about the official state bird.

The primary color will be blue, while gold will be secondary, and red will also be used. All three colors are represented in the New Orleans flag.

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